On May 1, Canada’s Globe and Mail published an interview with Wang Di, China’s ambassador to Canada, who stated that the Taiwan issue constitutes a non-negotiable “red line” in China–Canada relations and that Ottawa must clearly articulate its position if bilateral ties are to advance. Wang criticized actions such as Canadian naval vessels transiting the Taiwan Strait and contacts between Canadian parliamentarians and Taiwanese officials, arguing that these violate the “One China” principle.
In response, Taiwan’s representative to Canada, Tseng Hou-jen, rejected Wang’s remarks in an interview with iPolitics, calling them “absurd” and counterproductive. Tseng argued that Wang’s statements reflect China’s tendency to “weaponize trade,” which could provoke backlash within Canadian political circles. He emphasized that the Taiwan Strait is an international waterway, not China’s internal waters, and that under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, all countries are entitled to freedom of navigation there.
Wang’s comments have drawn criticism from figures across Canada’s political and academic communities, who urged the government to uphold its principles in its engagement with Beijing. Those voicing concern include Senator Leo Housakos, Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman, former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole, and Vina Nadjibulla of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada.
The controversy comes amid efforts to revive bilateral ties following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s January visit to China, during which six agreements were signed to restart an eight-year-suspended “strategic partnership.” However, the visit also sparked domestic criticism after two Liberal lawmakers visiting Taiwan cut short their trip on government advice, with some politicians accusing Ottawa of yielding to pressure from Beijing.
Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), May 2, 2026
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aipl/202605020092.aspx